DENVER — A Denver police officer and a suspect were rushed to the hospital after a shooting in the city's Northeast Park Hill neighborhood.
According to Division Chief of Administration Rick Kyle, the department received a ShotSpotter alert in the area of MLK Boulevard and Cherry Street around 7:28 p.m. The technology uses audio equipment and analysis to pinpoint the location of gunfire.
Two officers arrived on-scene moments later, and received a description of the suspect from a community member, Kyle said. The pair then spotted someone who matched that description.
Kyle said the suspect took off on a scooter before running away. The officers initially followed the suspect in their patrol car before getting out and running after him for several blocks.
According to Kyle, there was a confrontation between the officers and suspect, followed by an exchange of gunfire.
The officer was shot in his chest. He was wearing his bulletproof vest, which protected him, Kyle said. The suspect was also shot.
Both the officer and suspect were taken to the hospital. The officer is in good condition, while the suspect is critical, according to Kyle.
The officer has been with the department since 2017, according to Kyle. Investigators are still working to determine the suspect's identity.
The Denver Police Department Homicide Unite, Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Colorado State Patrol are conducting an investigation. Denver District Attorney Beth McMann also responded to the shooting, according to Kyle.
This is the second time a Denver police officer was shot in the chest Wednesday. An officer was parked in front of a Quality Inn at the intersection of West 26th Ave. and Zuni Street when he was ambushed by a shooter. That officer was also saved by their bulletproof vest. The shooter was killed, according to Denver police.
Kyle said the use of ballistic vests is not mandatory within the department but is "strongly encouraged."
